Port Melbourne a winner in the Port Phillip Business Awards

Having felt glum about Bay St just a few posts ago, I feel much more optimistic after Port Melbourne businesses performed exceptionally strongly in the Port Phillip Business Awards held last night.

• Melbourne Medical Deputising Service [MMDS] was the business of the year. Based in Plummer St, Port Melbourne, MMDS is the lagest home visiting doctor service in Victoria. www.homevisitingdoctor.com.au

• Miishu - a fashion destination at 74 Bay St won in the micro business category [employing up to 5 people]
• Three Four Knock on the Door - a childrens' book and toy store at 46 Nott St, was a finalist in this category
• TANK Branding - a brand agency at 30 Lalor St was a finalist in the small business category [employing between 6 and 20 people] and in the Creative and Cultural Industries category
• Hunky Dory Fish & Burger Bar at 181 Bay St, and in Clarendon St,  won in the medium business category [employing between 20 and 200 people]
• Beach Tennis Australia was a finalist in the Tourism & Hospitality Category

Ardoch Youth Foundation won in the not-for-profit category. Ardoch's CEO Mandy Burns is a Port Melbourne resident who also finds time to chair the committee of management of the Port Melbourne Neighbourhood House and to coach her daughter's netball team.
Speaking with the finalists and winners in retail, I was struck by how their businesses are a hybrid of in store retailing, unique product offer with energetic social marketing and above and beyond service.